Senate Bill 315 carried by Sen. David Howard, R-Park City, would be effective immediately upon passage and signing by the governor. 

Wednesday is the deadline for general bills that don't deal with money to advance from the chamber they originated in. 

This year, the volume of bills Montana lawmakers heard as they crashed against the midpoint time frame was tremendous.

"You weren't here at the roundup and you were unexcused, so you don't get to vote in the meeting," Rep. Derek Skees said.

The bill is effective immediately after the governor signs it.

The bills advanced along largely party-line votes in a Saturday floor session.

Rep. Derek Harvey, D-Butte, pointed out the "massive show of force" from workers around the state opposing the bill.

As lawmakers move toward the midway point of the session, they're taking quick action on a wide variety of bills.

The bill cleared a second reading on a 31-19 party-line vote with Republican support and Democratic opposition.